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MLB free agency: One free agent each team should sign

By Joshua Sadlock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kansas City Royals First base Eric Hosmer (35) during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox on September 24, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Jerome Lynch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Kansas City Royals First base Eric Hosmer (35) during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox on September 24, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Jerome Lynch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 20: Mike Moustakas #8 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning, setting a club record with 37 home runs in a season, during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 20, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 20: Mike Moustakas #8 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning, setting a club record with 37 home runs in a season, during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 20, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Royals: Mike Moustakas

The Royals have three major free agents getting their first chance to test the open market this offseason. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain are all up at the end of the year. This winter could decide the fate of the Royals for the next five years.

Hosmer is assuredly gone as he will command a deal approaching $200 million given his age, future power potential in a better ballpark, postseason experience and clubhouse presence. J.D. Martinez is the best power hitter on the market this winter, but Hosmer will command a bigger deal because of his youth.

Kansas City made a big bet on Alex Gordon holding onto his defensive value and well-rounded game into his mid-30s. The $72-million deal for the left fielder has proven to be an unmitigated disaster for the Royals after two years. Gordon looks done as a full-time player. Lorenzo Cain is a different type of player than Gordon, but his skills are the type that can erode quickly with wear and tear. Look no further than Adam Jones and Andrew McCutchen for examples of what can happen when a center fielder enters his mid-thirties.

Moustakas has enjoyed a breakout power season for the Royals and has set a new franchise record with 38 bombs. He is entering his age-30 season and is just now beginning to come into his own as a hitter. With only one elite season under his belt, Moustakas may have a harder time finding a nine-figure deal in free agency. The Royals have to at least make him a strong offer.

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